Bidwell House Museum Begins 2026 Season with a Concert and Reception

MONTEREY, Mass. — The Bidwell House Museum will open for their 36th season on Memorial Day weekend.

Tours by appointment will begin on Monday, May 25 and on Sunday, May 24th, at 2 p.m there will be an opening concert and reception with singer-songwriter Diane Taraz, who will perform her show "Surprising But True."

According to a press release: 

She begins with the age-old tale of the woman warrior in disguise, celebrated in dozens of songs over the last few hundred years. We hear traditional songs and one that Diane wrote about the unlikely life of Deborah Samson, who served during the American Revolution and later became one of the first women to speak in public as she toured New England.

The origins of some of our most familiar songs are surprising. We hear the birth and development of Yankee Doodle, including some particularly rude verses; the original words to the melody used by Francis Scott Key for our national anthem; plus tragedies involving rattlesnakes and shipwrecks. Diane's "The Great Sea-Serpent of Cape Ann" traces the long history of the giant serpent frequently sighted off the Massachusetts coast, and her "American Army of Two" hails the courage of two teenage girls who saved the town of Scituate from British attack in the War of 1812 by playing a certain melody.

Diane Taraz writes songs and interprets traditional ones, accompanying herself on guitar and dulcimer. She has over two dozen albums streaming worldwide, and she brings her programs exploring history through music to museums, libraries, and historical societies throughout New England. One of her original songs and her interpretation of a traditional carol have been used on television (My Lottery Dream Home) and in a recently released film (A Little Prayer). Her three books are available on Amazon and other outlets. There’s more about her at www.dianetaraz.com.

Following the show there will be a small reception to usher in the new season. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Tickets can be purchased on the Museum website, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/surprising-but-true/

Admission to the show and reception is $10 for Members and $20 for non-members.

On Monday May 25, the Museum will reopen for guided tours of the house. These personal, small-group tours last about an hour and include a look at the architecture of the house; a history of the Bidwell Family and their connection to Monterey; information about housewares and decor in 18th century New England; and a look at life 250 years ago, particularly meaningful during this 250th anniversary year for the United State. Tours are by appointment only, must be booked 24 hours in advance and will be available on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m, 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. Tours can be reserved by either calling 413-528-6888 or emailing bidwellhm2@gmail.com. Tickets for adults are $20, seniors are $15, students are $5 and children 12 and under are free.

Units Available at Lee's New Eagle Mill Housing Development

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:57PM / Tuesday, October 27, 2026

It's took more than a decade to bring the Eagle Lofts to fruition in the former Eagle mill. 

LEE, Mass. — Hearthway wants community members to know there are three-bedroom units available at The Lofts at Eagle Mill with little to no waitlist. 

The apartments at 73 West Center St. recently came online in the historic building on the banks of the Housatonic River after more than a decade of work. The first tenants began moving in last week. 

Three-bedroom units are less than $2,000 per month for those who meet income requirements. 

"These units are $1,855 a month with hot water included. To qualify, applicants must be under the 60 percent AMI income limit by household size and be able to afford the rent," the affordable housing provider wrote in a communication on Monday. 

"Mobile vouchers are welcomed."

A ribbon was cut at the former paper mill over the summer for 56 one- to three-bedroom, mixed-income units in the heart of downtown. 

According to a chart provided by Hearthway, 60 percent area median income is $55,320 per year for a one person household, $63,240 a year for a two-person household, $71,160 a year for a three-person household, and $79,020 a year for a four-person household. 

Applications are available in English and Spanish. They can submitted via email to leasing@hearthway.org, drop off to the main office at 1 Fenn St in Pittsfield, fax to 413-403-2710, or USPS mail to P.O. Box 1180, Pittsfield, MA 01202-1180.